Plans to increase the speed limit for some HGVs in a bid to boost economic growth have been announced today by Roads Minister Stephen Hammond.

1. Business Select Committee publishes report on apprenticeships
2. Vince Cable visits Toyota as new Auris production begins
3. CBI publishes industrial strategy report
4. New £16.5m collaborative R&D fund announced
5. New car registrations rise 12.1% in October
6. Government announces fourth round of Green Bus Fund
7. Week ahead

1. Commission publishes CARS21 Communication
2. Focus on EU-US trade agreement following presidential election
3. Council expected to finalise negotiating position on EU Budget
4. Climate Action Commissioner calls for transport R&D to be key part of Horizon 2020
5. Week ahead

Total bus and coach registrations fell 23.9% to 486 units in October, but climbed 44.9% over the year-to-date.

Download the PPVL Technical Bulletin – September 2012

SMMT has published Electric and Alternatively-Fuelled Vehicle registration figures for October and the year-to-date.

Commercial vehicle registrations down 8.1% in October to 21,661 units, rolling year down 0.9% to 293,312.

UK new car registrations rose 12.1% to 151,252 units in October, bucking current demand trends in Europe.

Toyota’s manufacturing activity in the UK reached another landmark today with the official start of production of the all-new Auris at its Burnaston factory. The Business Secretary, Dr Vince Cable, welcomed Toyota’s continued investment in its UK operations, which will also see the new Auris Touring Sports estate car built at the plant from next year.

SMMT’s weekly round-up, including all the latest news from UK automotive and a message from our Chief Executive.